Congrats to my young friends from Tri-town. The 12U Little Leaguers from Montgomery, Hughesville, and Muncy are moving on. They knocked off Blue Mountain 2-0 to advance to the Pennsylvania State Tournament. Tri-town came home with the Section 3 banner. I received the call when I was out to dinner. I got to talk with a few of the youngsters during their post-game celebration. My man, Jase Spangler, asked if I would mention his name in the paper. Keep it going, boys. We are all proud of you.
I also need to give a few of my golfing chums some print. Many of the area’s best are teeing it up at the Williamsport Invitational this week. This two-man better ball of partners is one of the absolute finest. I used to play, but my window closed. There was a time sports fans. I do miss the camaraderie and the laughs. The overpriced beers and humidity are a no. Cheers to my guys, Mike Richardson and Jake Sekel. They carded a 64 to get into the Championship Flight. Props to Bill Keiser and Jim Becker. No bagging sand this year. Their 68 also got them in. I am super excited for them. But they will be a mighty underdog against the young kids. Several others made it, too. Kyle Deisher and Zach Prowant. Ben Howe and Mikey Schall. Sean Duffy and Jason Troutman. The list goes on. Best wishes, guys. Much love. The tournament now moves to match play. Where anything can happen. Six flights. The area’s top golfers. The champions will be crowned on Sunday afternoon.
I did get a chance to tee it up this past weekend. It was a four-person scramble to benefit Bucktail Medical. I had a blast with some old friends at Clinton Country Club. Oh, it was so hot, and I drank plenty of fluids. I played well, and we had a respectful finish. The teams and organizations will vary, and I usually say no unless my buds are paying. Golf is an expensive sport, and I will sit by the phone and wait. I enjoy being a hired gun in these tournaments.
A best ball or four-person scramble is the most popular way to generate funds. Golfers hit. They select the best shot and continue until the ball is holed. You can totally stink and still have a splendid experience. I love these scrambles because I can rely on my teammates to make a putt. I can still hold my own from tee to green. My short game left me during COVID-19. My old golf chums call me Steady Eddie. Nothing flashy. Consistent and smooth. Riding a bike. But when I get to the back nine- Johnny Goodtimes comes out. Free beer. It tends to get ugly. My teams always place. Okay. We usually win. I get called a ringer. But it’s cool.
The scores depend on all of the gimmicks. Remember that Scrambles are fundraisers, and you can buy many incentives. Miss that putt? Use this mulligan at $5 a piece. Red Tees are my personal favorites. You pay $20 to move to the front of the box. Hit one inside of six inches? Use this $10 ribbon and count it. How did you make EAGLE on 16? Did you hole out from the fairway? No. Ribbon. Hey guys. Are you interested in deducting a stroke? Sure. Pay me money. Duh. I have even played in scrambles where you can throw a Nerf football to improve your position. It’s great. 27 under par? Yes. Gimmicks.
Golf and I go way back. I enjoy the game, but I don’t miss it. Golf is expensive, and it takes time. I can’t tell you the last time I played my own ball for fun. I prefer to be a hired gun. Scrambles are a great way to keep it fun. Stay cool, kids. Cheers.
